Amazon Eyes $9B Globalstar Deal to Challenge Starlink

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Amazon is reportedly in talks to acquire satellite communications firm Globalstar in a deal valued at around $9 billion, as it accelerates efforts to compete in the low-Earth-orbit satellite market.

Globalstar, which provides voice, data and asset-tracking services through its satellite network, has seen its market value rise sharply over the past year. The potential acquisition would strengthen Amazon’s position in space-based connectivity as it expands its satellite initiative, known as Project Kuiper.

A key complication in the negotiations is Apple’s roughly 20% stake in Globalstar, requiring coordination between Amazon and Apple as part of any potential agreement.

The move is widely seen as a strategic push to rival Starlink, operated by SpaceX. Starlink currently leads the market with thousands of satellites in orbit and millions of global users.

Amazon has launched hundreds of satellites so far under its own program and aims to scale rapidly to serve enterprise, government and consumer markets. The company is seeking to close the gap with SpaceX as demand for global satellite internet and connectivity services continues to grow.

Discussions are ongoing, and no final agreement has been confirmed.

Greece Moves Toward Social Media Ban for Under-15s

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Greece is preparing to introduce a social media ban for children under 15, as concerns over addiction, cyberbullying and online safety intensify among parents and policymakers.

The expected measure, backed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government, would align Greece with countries like Australia that have already implemented similar restrictions. While details on enforcement and timing remain unclear, an official announcement is anticipated soon.

Public support for the move appears strong. Surveys indicate that around 80% of respondents favor a ban, reflecting widespread concern over the impact of platforms such as Meta’s Instagram and TikTok on young users.

Data from Greece’s Safer Internet Centre shows a sharp rise in cyberbullying cases and online abuse, with helpline calls more than doubling in a year. Experts warn that a large proportion of children using social media are too young to manage associated risks effectively.

Despite support, some parents remain skeptical about enforcement, noting that children may find ways to bypass restrictions. Others argue that family-level controls could be more effective than government intervention.

The initiative reflects a broader global shift toward tighter regulation of social media access for minors, as governments respond to growing evidence of its impact on youth mental health and behavior.

Amazon Ordered to Negotiate with Staten Island Union

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Amazon has been ordered to negotiate with a labor union representing about 5,000 workers at its Staten Island warehouse, following a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board.

The decision requires Amazon to engage with the Amazon Labor Union, which formed in 2022 and has been pushing for discussions on wages, working conditions and employee rights. The union has since aligned with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The NLRB found that Amazon committed unfair labor practices by refusing to recognize and bargain with the union. The ruling marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to organize workers at the company’s U.S. facilities.

Amazon said it disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal, arguing that the union election process was improperly influenced. An appeal could delay enforcement of the order while the case moves through the courts.

Labor groups have welcomed the ruling as a major milestone, signaling growing momentum for unionization efforts within Amazon’s workforce, which the company has historically resisted.

The case also ties into a broader legal dispute, as Amazon has challenged the constitutionality of the NLRB itself in related proceedings.